High winds and power outages

Prepare for potential power outages with the high winds we are experiencing in the Seattle area. Keep in mind that if the power goes out, burning gas, wood or charcoal inside your home will increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death.

Here are a few safety tips to help prepare for when the power goes out:

Prepare

• Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed
  on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your CO
  alarms along with your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least
  once a year.
• Keep an emergency kit ready that includes:
  • flashlight with extra batteries
  • glow-in-the-dark stick lights
  • portable charger for your phone
• Stock up on:
  • drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
  • warm clothing and blankets
• Know how to manually override your electric
  garage door or gateway.
• If you live in a secured building, know which
  exit doors to use during an outage.

During the power
outage

• Never touch or approach a downed wire or anything
  in direct contact with it.
• Immediately report the outage to your
  electricity provider (Seattle City Light’s phone number for reporting is (206)
  684-3000).
• Do not burn charcoal or use gasoline generators
  indoors, including the garage.
• Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for
  a short time.
• Do not use candles as a light source nor any
  open flame as a heat source.
• Before using a fireplace or wood stove, make
  sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
• Move flammable materials at least three feet
  away from a fireplace or wood stove.
• Switch electrical appliances off after the power
  goes out to prevent fires and equipment damage.

If the CO alarm sounds, turn off any heating
appliance and open windows to get fresh air. Call 911 if you experience CO
poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, or headaches and move to fresh
air immediately. If you suspect an appliance is the source, call a qualified
technician to fix the problem before restarting the appliance.